Abstract
ObjectivesMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that causes stress due to its unpredictability and lack of definitive treatments. This study examined the effects of an educational program using a transactional model to help women with MS cope with their disease.Materials and MethodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 80 female patients from the MS Society of Iran were randomized to the intervention (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). Outcomes were assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS), which were completed by both groups at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The intervention consisted of six educational sessions administered over 2 months based on a transactional model. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsAverage PSS scores decreased significantly over time in the intervention group, while increasing in the control group. Between‐group differences were significant at both 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up (p < .001). Both problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping styles improved over time in use and effectiveness in the intervention group, whereas little or no change occurred in these coping behaviors in the control group.ConclusionThe transactional model‐based education program tested here was successful in reducing stress levels and increasing healthy coping styles in women with MS. If these findings are replicated in future studies, widespread adoption of this program may help women with MS cope more successfully with their disease.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by many distressing clinical symptoms, such as sensorimotor deficits, ataxia, neuropsychiatric disorders, fatigue, and dysphagia (Bergamaschi et al, 2009; Solaro et al, 2013)
The educational program in the intervention group focused on problem solving, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and relaxation, which were presented to participants during group discussions, lectures, and question and answer sessions
This study found that use and effectiveness of problem- focused coping strategies such as confrontive, supportive, and self- reliant coping styles increased with the current intervention, while emotion-focused styles such as emotive and fatalistic coping strategies tended to decrease
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by many distressing clinical symptoms, such as sensorimotor deficits, ataxia, neuropsychiatric disorders, fatigue, and dysphagia (Bergamaschi et al, 2009; Solaro et al, 2013). The disease has several debilitating effects during the early stages such as fatigue and cognitive impairment; after 20 years, more. Over 500,000 Americans live with this disease and 8,000 new cases are added every year (Noonan et al, 2010) In developing countries such as Iran, the disease has become epidemic in nature with a prevalence rate of between 5 and 80 per 100,000 per year (Eskandarieh, Heydarpour, & Sahraian, 2015). Women are at higher risk of morbidity and should be considered a vulnerable population in whom the development of effective interventions is a high priority
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